Padres Rumors: A New NL Team Has Emerged in the Juan Soto Sweepstakes

Everybody wants their hands on the 25-year-old superstar

The San Diego Padres were one of the most disappointing teams in the league this past season; that's no secret. After meeting none of their expectations, the team will reportedly go in a different direction when it comes to their payroll. 

One of the many ways they could look to do so is by moving on from their superstar slugger outfielder, Juan Soto. If they do in fact decide to trade him, many teams will contract the front office to acquire the 25-year-old, and some already have their hat in the ring. However, new teams are emerging as contenders for Soto, including NL Central's own, the Chicago Cubs. 

As they prepare for what they intend to be an active offseason, the Cubs will be involved in the trade sweepstakes for Padres star outfielder Juan Soto, sources told 670 The Score.

(via The Audacy)

The Cubs were only one game shy of making the wild card, and best believe a player like Soto could've taken them over the top. 

The lefty slugger is coming off a season in which he slashed .275/.410/.519 with 35 home runs and led the entire league in walks with 132. 

The Cubs could be a player away from where they want to go, and we'll see how aggressive they'll be to acquire the likes of Soto. The relationship between the Padres and Soto has not materialized as many would have hoped. With his last year of arbitration, this could be the end of Soto in Southern California.